Saints expected to sign defensive end Chase Young, addressing team’s biggest issue

It has been a quiet free agency for the New Orleans Saints, but fans have been clinging on to the Saints’ pursuit of defensive end Chase Young. Now, all of those fans can rejoice, as it has been reported that Young plans to sign a one-year deal worth $13 million with New Orleans.

Saints fans already had Chase Young circled as a free agent target entering the offseason, then hopes really skyrocketed once it was announced that Young would visit New Orleans, as well as the Carolina Panthers and the Tennessee Titans. However, it was the Saints who got the job done, agreeing to a deal with Young during his visit to New Orleans.

Chase Young plans to sign a one-year deal with Saints

This is New Orleans’ first major signing of the offseason and it address one of the team’s biggest needs. In 2023, the Saints were one of her worst pass-rushing teams in the league, recording just 34 sacks, which ranked them 28th in the NFL. Young, who was the second-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, should have an immediate impact on those numbers.

This past season, playing in 16 total games— seven with the Washington Commanders and nine with the San Francisco 49ers —Young recorded 7.5 sacks. He’ll now bring his production to New Orleans, providing the team with something it desperately needs.

The Saints also provided Young what he was looking for. While Young is receiving $13 million guaranteed, he’ll only be signed for one season. This will give him the opportunity to sign an even bigger deal next offseason. Injuries in the 2021 and 2022 season affected Young’s reputation, so he knew the best path for him this offseason was a prove-it deal. He got that deal in New Orleans and now it’s time for him to show out for the Saints.

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